Arabian Deserts of Oman
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
One of Arabia’s hidden gems, Oman is a land of rugged coastlines and vast deserts, where tradition and progress go hand in hand. Blessed with a dazzling array of natural and cultural highlights, the country that spawned the legends of Sinbad the Sailor is also home to shifting sands and towering mountains, colonial forts and the rich azure waters of the Indian Ocean. This stunning adventure takes you into the heart of this remarkable country, journeying from its picturesque capital and ...
One of Arabia’s hidden gems, Oman is a land of rugged coastlines and vast deserts, where tradition and progress go hand in hand. Blessed with a dazzling array of natural and cultural highlights, the country that spawned the legends of Sinbad the Sailor is also home to shifting sands and towering mountains, colonial forts and the rich azure waters of the Indian Ocean. This stunning adventure takes you into the heart of this remarkable country, journeying from its picturesque capital and deep into the mountains, deserts and tribal strongholds of the old Omani Imamate. Beginning in Muscat you will follow the Batinah coast, before turning off towards the rugged landscapes of the Hajar Mountains. After a chance to visit the spectacular forts at Nizwa, Jabrin and Bahla, your journey then takes you on into the Arabian deserts. Here, amongst the shifting sands of Wahiba and the towering dunes of the Rub al Khali, you’ll camp under a timeless desert sky, before crossing through the Qara Mountains to Salalah. Finishing this astonishing journey amongst the fertile palms and frankincense groves of Oman’s second city, you’ll discover something of the unique charm and character of Arabia’s ‘perfume capital’.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE MUSCAT
DAY 1: ARRIVE MUSCAT
Arriving in Muscat the journey to your hotel will take in the magnificent setting of the Grand Mosque, one of the largest in the Arab world and capable of holding some 20,000 people. After a chance to freshen up, you'll then begin a tour of the Omani capital, taking in its engaging sea front and the Al Alam Palace, as well as the 16th century Portuguese forts of Jalali and Mirani. Heading back to the hotel, there will be a chance to stop and explore the renowned Muttrah souq.
DAY 2: MUSCAT - WADI BANI AWF - AL HAMRA - MISFAH - JEBEL SHAMS
DAY 2: MUSCAT - WADI BANI AWF - AL HAMRA - MISFAH - JEBEL SHAMS
Departing Muscat after breakfast, today's long drive will take you along the Batinah coast towards Rustaq, before turning off into the rugged landscapes of the Hajar Mountains. Continuing on through the picturesque setting of Wadi Bani Awf, the journey takes you on to the atmospheric, but largely abandoned village of Al Hamra and Misfah, one of Oman's best kept secrets. After a chance to walk through Misfah's idyllic oasis, you'll resume the journey to Jebel Shams, following a winding track into the mountains to your overnight hotel.
DAY 3: JEBEL SHAMS - JABRIN & BAHLA FORTS - NIZWA
DAY 3: JEBEL SHAMS - JABRIN & BAHLA FORTS - NIZWA
The morning adventures begin with a visit to the World Heritage Site of Bahla Fort, before continuing on to Jabrin, possibly the finest of Oman's 17th century fortresses. With exquisite painted wooden ceilings, the views from its battlements are simply mesmerising. Moving on to Nizwa next, you will have a chance to explore a little something of the once powerful capital of the old Omani Imamate, taking in its imposing 17th fort and a bustling souq renowned for its intricately carved Omani daggers and ornate silver jewellery.
DAY 4: NIZWA - WADI BANI KHALID - WAHIBA SANDS
DAY 4: NIZWA - WADI BANI KHALID - WAHIBA SANDS
Turning south this morning, your journey takes you next into the shifting sands of Wahiba, a vast expanse of towering dunes and barren desert that covers over 10,000 square kilometres. Taking a small detour along the way, you'll stop first at Wadi Bani Khaled, one of Oman's most beautiful oases, where you will have an opportunity to enjoy a swim before lunch. Later you will resume the journey on towards the majestic sands of Wahiba and your overnight desert camp.
DAY 5: WAHIBA SANDS - KHALUF
DAY 5: WAHIBA SANDS - KHALUF
This morning you will drive out across the shifting sands of Wahiba towards the coast, and the pink shell beaches and white dunes of Khaluf on Oman's eastern coast. The drive will take four to five hours and you will stop for lunch along the way, arriving in Khaluf in time to set up camp late this afternoon in readiness for another night camped out under a desert sky.
DAY 6: KHALUF - RAS AL MADRAKAH
DAY 6: KHALUF - RAS AL MADRAKAH
A chance to enjoy the best of Oman's rugged coastline, this morning's drive south takes you from Khaluf to Ras al Madrakah. With ample viewpoints and photo stops en route, the journey passes a picturesque collection of fishing villages, beaches and wadis, before arriving at this evening's camp. On arrival, there will be plenty of time for a swim and to take in the glorious setting of this remote spot, before setting up camp and settling down for another dinner under the stars.
DAY 7: RAS AL MADRAKAH - THE EMPTY QUARTER
DAY 7: RAS AL MADRAKAH - THE EMPTY QUARTER
Breaking camp this morning you'll head away from the coast and turn towards the vast emptiness of the Rub al Khali, 250,000 square miles of waterless desert than covers much of the southern half of the Arabian Peninsula. This is the heartland of the nomadic Bedouin, made famous by Wilfred Thesiger in his book 'Arabian Sands' and its dramatic landscapes provide the backdrop for tonight's wild desert camp.
DAY 8: THE EMPTY QUARTER
DAY 8: THE EMPTY QUARTER
This morning you will continue across the haunting landscapes of one of the largest sand deserts in the world, as you make your way further south and on towards Al Hasham. A wilderness of towering dunes and shallow lake beds, these seemingly barren wastes cover an area larger than France, Belgium and the Netherlands combined. Without doubt one of the most authentic desert experiences imaginable, it is a fitting place to pitch camp for a final night under the stars.
DAY 9: THE EMPTY QUARTER - JEBEL AL QAMAR - SALALAH
DAY 9: THE EMPTY QUARTER - JEBEL AL QAMAR - SALALAH
The journey on to the coastal city of Salalah takes you through the barren landscapes of the Qara Mountains. A spectacular visual journey that takes in the azure waters of the Indian Ocean and the craggy slopes of Al Qamar (Moon Mountain), the drive through the homeland of the Bait Kathir Bedu passes groves of frankincense trees and descends by way of the remarkable hairpins of the 'Furious Road', an incredible (and at times hair-raising) feat of engineering that descends some 400 metres in just five kilometres.
DAY 10: SALALAH
DAY 10: SALALAH
Today's tour begins with a visit to the old fishing village of Taqah, famed for its dried sardines and traditional old Dhofari houses. Continuing on to the ancient ruins of Sumharam (Khor Rohri), you'll then explore the easternmost outpost of the old Hadramawt Kingdom, once an important port on the frankincense trade routes. A relaxing stroll through Wadi Darbat is then followed by a drive up into the Qara Mountains, to enjoy some stunning views across western Salalah before heading to the white sands of Mughsail Beach.
DAY 11: DEPART SALALAH
DAY 11: DEPART SALALAH
Today you will be transferred to the airport in time to catch your onward flight.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Empty Quarter Wild Camp, Empty Quarter
Your wild camp will be set up this evening in a remote area of the desert in a truly epic location. And what an experience it will be... The size of the dunes, the colour of the dunes and the scale on which this sand sea rides, stretching as it does over a quarter of a million square kilometres deep into Saudi Arabia and Yemen, is like nothing else. Here you will camp and explore, climb the dunes to watch the most stunning sunset, sit around a campfire and catch shooting stars, seemingly without another soul alive in the universe. This experience will not be for everyone. The camping, although comfortable with mattresses, tables and chairs, is reasonably rudimentary. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. But for those with a sense of adventure who like to get off the beaten track to witness nature at its most serene and beautiful and are prepared to rough it a little, this is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Crowne Plaza Muscat Hotel, Muscat
The four star Crowne Plaza Muscat is nestled at the tip of Qurum Beach and has panoramic views of the Gulf of Oman. The elegantly appointed and recently refurbished rooms have all modern amenities you'd expect and the hotel offers excellent leisure facilities including floodlit tennis courts, a swimming pool, a state of the art gymnasium, squash courts, sauna and steam rooms and massage and spa treatments. Restaurants serve a variety of Persian, Italian and international food.
Golden Tulip Nizwa, Nizwa
The four star Golden Tulip Nizwa Hotel is a short drive out of Nizwa in a peaceful location set against the magnificent Hajar Mountains. Built in a traditional Omani architectural style, the Golden Tulip is furnished with care and excellent taste offering all the comforts and amenities of a luxury hotel. All rooms are well equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning, satellite TV, private bathroom, mini bar and 24 hr room service. There is an outdoor pool in which to cool off & a sauna and several restaurants serving a choice of Arabic, Chinese, Indian and Continental cuisine.
The View, Jebel Shams
Follow the windy mountain road from Al Hamra for about 8km and you'll reach the stunning location of The View, sitting at around 1400 metres above sea level. There are 30 comfortable and well-appointed rooms spectacularly set on the mountainside, all en suite with terrace or veranda and with unbeatable views down into Al Hamra Valley. There is a restaurant to enjoy evening meals after a day exploring the many sights located around the hotel and a small but beautiful infinity pool.
Crowne Plaza Salalah, Salalah
The four star Crowne Plaza Resort Salalah is situated in 45 acres of lush tropical garden, overlooking the Indian Ocean on a long stretch of pristine white sandy beach. It is still close to city centre and port of Salalah. All rooms are well appointed and equipped with private bathrooms, radios, International direct dial telephones and mini-fridges. Near the large pool is a fitness centre with a gym, sauna, steamroom, whirlpool, squash and tennis courts. The Resort also boasts of the only green golf course in Oman. There are several dining option including a beach front restaurant where you cab also enjoy a drink.
Khaluf Wild Beach Camp, Khaluf
Your camp will be in the desert dunes close to the coast. Watch the most stunning sunset, sit around a campfire and catch shooting stars, seemingly without another soul alive in the universe. This experience will not be for everyone. The camping, although comfortable with mattresses, tables and chairs, is reasonably rudimentary. You will need to bring your own sleeping bag and pillow. But for those with a sense of adventure who like to get off the beaten track to witness nature at its most serene and beautiful and are prepared to rough it a little, this is an experience that will stay with you forever.
Ras Al Madrakah Wild Camp, Ras Al Madrakah
This evening your campsite will be set up on the beach in the Ras Al Madrakah area, the desert dunes will provide a stunning back drop to the site with the sea to the east. Here you will camp and explore, climb the dunes, sit around a campfire and watch the sunset, seemingly without another soul alive in the universe. This experience will not be for everyone. The camping, although comfortable with mattresses, pillows, tables and chairs, is reasonably rudimentary. But for those with a sense of adventure who like to get off the beaten track to witness nature at its most serene and beautiful and are prepared to rough it a little, this is an experience that will stay with you forever.
1000 Nights Camp, Wahiba Sands
1000 Nights Camp is the only one of its kind at Wahiba Sands, where you can travel further into the sands away from the main 'traffic' of this now quite busy area. The deluxe camp has 73 hand-made Bedouin wool tents, furnished with Arabic carpets, comfortable twin beds, table and chairs, and towels. The camp also features a swimming pool which is unique amongst all the camps in Wahiba Sands. Each tent has a separate walled but open roofed bathroom. There is an atmospheric dining building with cushions and low tables, where you are served a simple yet tasty Omani dinner. Activities such as camel riding, dune bashing, sand boarding and Bedouin family visits can all be arranged. Please note the hotel is dry and most rooms don’t have air conditioning.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
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ACCOMMODATION
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We believe these terms and conditions for making a booking are amongst the most generous in the travel industry right now, and we hope they will give you the confidence, when you feel ready, to go ahead and book your next adventure.
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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